Lister



June 13, 1944. 5 2,351,078

LISTER Filed Sept. 12 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet l I, I3 203 INVENTOR;

W LTER H. SILVER ATT NEYS.

, June 13, 1944.

W. H. SILVER LISTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 12, 1940 INVENOR: ZTTORNEYS.

June 13, 1944. w. H. SILVER LISTER Filed Sept. 12 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 WALTER INVENTOR: H. SILVER ATTORNEYS.

FIG. IO

June 13, 1944. w. H. SILVER LISTER Filed Sept. 12, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 5 mm 5 mm a .r on g 5 N INVENTOR; WALTER H. SILVER BY yw ATTO EYS.

June 13, 1944. w. H. SILVER 2,351,078

LISTER Filed Sept. 12, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVEINTORI:2

A T'I'ORNEYS.

Patented June i3, i944 iiNiTE STATES FAT LISTER Walter H. Silver, Moline, Ill., assignor to Deere & Company, Moline, 111., a corporation of Illinois 22 Claims.

This invention relates generally to agricultural implements and more particularly to listers and bedders of the type adapted to receive a plural-- ity of tools of different kinds and arranged in different ways to accommodate various conditions of operation.

Generally speaking, a lister or bedder of the tractor-mounted or integral type, with which the present invention is more particularly concerned, comprises a frame connected at its forward end with the tractor for generally verticalswinging movement and having a rear transverse tool bar to which the desired tools at the desired spacing are connected, together with gauge wheel means for gauging the depth of operation of the tool or tools. Usually, such implements may be arranged to serve as a two-row, three-row, or fourrow machine and may receive tools for forming trenches or furrows, or for either splitting or sweeping off the tops of previously formed beds or ridges, either previous to or simultaneousl With planting operations, as desired.

The object and general nature of this invention is the provision of driving and controlling connections between the tractor and the implement, and improved means for connecting and operating the gauge wheels so that at a minimum expenditure of time and energy the implement may be arranged to do the work desired under the conditions to be encountered. More specifically, it is a feature of this invention to provide a frame construction which may be connected or hitched to the tractor at a plurality ofpoints longitudinally thereof, with driving and controlling connections between the implement and the tractor particularly constructed and arranged to accomthe provision of longitudinally adjustable gauge wheels. It is desirable to have the gauge wheels operate as close as possible to the tools whose operation they gauge, and in some conditions this requires that the gauge wheels be disposed forward of the tools, but in other conditions the gauge wheels preferably are disposed rearwardly of the tools. For example, when lister bottoms or furrow openers of the moldboard type are employed, it is desirable to have the gauge wheels in their forward position and arranged so as not to run on the freshly turned soil. 0n the other hand, when sweeping off the top soil of the beds, or in similar operations, it would not be desirable to have the gauge wheels run on the loose top of the beds, and therefore it is generally preferable to have the gauge wheels disposed rearwardly and spaced to run in the rear wheel tracks.

Another feature of this invention, particularly concerned with an agricultural machine in which the frame is movable to different positions longitudinally of the tractor, is the provision of driving connections between the implement-carried planting units and a driving part on the tractor, such as the driving sprocket on one or both of the rear axle shafts, which driving connections are arranged to accommodate movement of the implement frame longitudinally of the tractor. Specifically, it is a feature of this invention to provide a driving sprocket and chain mechanism which includes means for automatically adjusting the effective length of the chain according modate disposing the implement in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the tractor.

For example, for best operation it is desired to have the tools placed as close as possible up to the rear end of the tractor, not only to secure more uniform operation but also to reduce the energy required to lift the implement up into its transport position. On the other hand, the tools should not be placed so as to interfere with the action of the rear wheels of the tractor. Thus,

when the number of tools employed is such that they may be placed, not directly rearwardly of the rear tractor wheels, but at one side thereof, the implement frame may be disposed farther forward, relative to the tractor, than would be practical if the number of tools is such that one or two of them are disposed directly rearwardly of the rear wheels.

A further feature of this invention resides in to the position of the implement frame relative to the tractor. Specifically, the present invention contemplates the provision of a rocking member, that tightens or loosens the driving chain and which is rocked by connections with the tractor and implement, respectively. Further, it is a fea-, ture of this invention to provide throw-out means for disengaging the driving connection whenever the implement frame is raised into its inoperative or transport position, said throw-out means being particularly constructed and arranged to accommodate the aforesaid relative movement of the frame with respect to the tractor.

A further and specific feature of this invention is the provision of Operating connections associated with the gauge wheels by which the height of the implement frame relative to the ground may be controlled, said means including a handcontrolled bell crank mounted on a part of the implement frame that extends forwardly so as to dispose the bell crank substantially directly above the portion of the gauge wheel crank axle with which it is connected, and further it is an additional feature of this invention to provide saidibell crank mounting so that it may be arranged to accommodate the aforesaid optional disposition of the gauge wheels, namely fore or aft with respect to the transverse tool-carrying present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating the pref erred form of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an implement incorporating the principles of the present invention and arranged as a four-row planter employing tools in the form of sweeps with gauge wheels arranged in a rear position and spaced to run in the rear wheel tracks;

Figure 2 is a side view of the implement shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3 and 4 are detail side views of the gauge wheel construction, showing the two fore and aft positions of the gauge wheels;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary rear view, looking forwardly, of the gauge wheel supporting means, with-the gauge wheel disposed in a forward position and in its narrow setting, i. e., relatively close to the adjacent tractor wheel;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 but shows the manner of attaching the gauge wheels to secure a wide spacing;

Figure 7 is a side view, similar to Figure 2, showing the positionof the frame relative to the tractor when employing lister furrow openers of the moldboard type, with the implement frame in a position so that there is no interference between the rear wheels of the tractor and the lister l bottoms;

Figure 8 is a rear view, looking forwardly, of the machine shown in Figure '7 Figure 9 is a fragmentary side view, showing the details of the driving connection between one of the planting units and the adjacent rear wheel axle shaft of the tractor, and the controlling throw-out connections therefor;

Figure 10 is a view taken generally along the line 10-) of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary section taken generally along the line ll-H of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a rolling coulter adapted to be used with the implement shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view, showing the support for the coulter arms.

Referring now to the drawings, particularly Figures 1 and 2, the reference numeral I indicates the tractor and the referenc numeral 2 indicates the implement. The tractor i is of more or less conventional construction, comprising means serving as a frame, indicated at 5,

supported on front steering wheels 6 and rear traction wheels 1.

The latter are mounted on axle shafts 8 for lateral adjustment so as to vary the tread of the tractor. The rear axle housing of the tractor is indicated by the reference numeral 9, and includes lateral extensions in which the axle shafts 8are iournaled for rotation.

The implement 2 comprises frame H! which includes a pair of generally longitudinally ex tending beams II which at their rear ends are bolted or otherwise secured to plates 12 which are welded in laterally spaced relation to a rear transverse tool bar l3, the latter preferably extending laterally outwardly beyond and in rear of the rear tractor wheels I. The beams l l converge forwardly and at the forward ends are connected together and have a plurality of apertures, as indicated at IS. The implement fram It! is conneced with the forward portion of the tractor by a hitch it that comprises a yoke l'l pivoted, as at 18, to the tractor and at its lower and carries a pivot bolt I9 which is disposed in one of the several frame openings l5. A pair of links 2| are also connected at the rear ends to the pivot bolts I9 and at the forward ends are connected to one or more cushioning springs 22. The latter are connected at the forward ends to the front end of the tractor, as shown on Figure 2. The cushioning springs 22 not only cushion the load but also serve as a safety device to prevent the tractor and the implement from breakage when field obstructions a encountered, the entire implement frame shifting generally rearwardly when the springs 22 yield.

The connection betv-en the frame plates l2 and the tool bar I3 is .veelzforced by a pair of braces 24, the laterally inner ends of the braces being secured, by a bolt 25, to the forward part of the associated plate l2 while the laterally outer ends of the braces 24 are connected with the transverse tool bar l3, preferably by welding or the like.

Figures 1 and 2 show the implement arranged as a four-row sweep planter, in which case the two sweeps at each side of the machine are disposed substantially equal distances on opposite sides of th tractor wheels, and the implement frame can therefore be disposed in a forward position, such as by inserting the pivot bolt IS in the rear hole l5 at the forward ends of the tool beams l I. This disposes the implement frame ill in a forward position but with adequate clearance between the rear tractor wheels I and the frame. Also, since sweeps are being used, the gauge wheels may be arranged to occupy a rear position, running in the bottoms of the furrows behind the rear wheels and between the beds worked by the sweeps.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, the too1 beam I3 is preferably square in cross-section and uniform in crosssection so that the parts adapted to be attached thereto may be disposed in any one of a plurality of lateral positions. When four tools are provided to afford four-row operation, the laterally outer tools are fixed adjacent the outer ends of tool bar while the two inner tools are fixed to the tool bar just inside the attaching plates 12.

The sweeps shown in Figures 1 and 2 are each 7,

indicated by the reference numeral 30 and are fixed, respectively, to thelower ends of beams or standards 3|, each of the latter including foot pieces 32 adapted to receive different sizes and types of ground working tools. As mentioned above, sweeps, such as are shown at 30 in Figures 1 and 2, are commonly employed for sweeping off the tops of previously formed beds to accommodate a subsequent planting operation, or, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the planting may be done at the same time sweeps are used for sweeping off the tops of the beds or ridges. To this end furrow openers 34 and seeding units 35 may be supported on the tool bar it. The seeding units 35 are more or less of conventional construction and hence extended description will be unnecessary. Briefly, each unit includes a seed container 36 having in the lower portion thereof conventional seed selecting and feeding mechanism, the whole being supported upon a standard 38 on which a plate or base 39 is fixed. The seeding mechanism is driven by a transverse seeding shaft 4|, there being one shaft 4| at each side of a four-row implement, with each shaft driving two units and in turn being driven from the axle shaft at that side of the tractor, as will be explained in detail below.

It will be observed that the implement frame In as awhole is supported for floating movement relative to the tractor and is connected with the latter at a pivot point l9 accommodating the vertical swinging movement of the implement relative to the tractor. ments of this kind to provide ground-engaging gauge means for insuring that the tools will always run at the proper depth, and in view of the fact, that, according to the present invention, various sizes and types of equipment may be utilized, the present invention contemplates a new and improved form of gauging means and control means therefor whereby the gauge wheels or other ground-engaging elements may be disposed in any one of several different positions so as to make it possible conveniently and easily to arrange the gauge wheels to accommodate the particular tools employed.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, a bracket casting is disposed adjacent each laterally outer end of the tool bar I3 and is provided at its lower end with a transverse sleeve section 52, an intermediate bar receiving notch 53, and an upper bearing section 54. For clamping the bracket casting 5| in place, I provide a cap 55 and a, pair of clamping bolts 56 which, when tightened, secure the casting 5| firmly and rigidly to the tool bar l3. Each gauge wheel is indicated by the reference numeral 51 and is mounted on the laterally bent end 58 of the gauge wheel crank axle that is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 59. The upper end 6| of the latter is bent in the opposite direction and is journaled for rocking movement in the sleeve section 52 of, the bracket 5| associated therewith. Any suitable means, such as cotter keys or the like, may be provided for retaining the gauge wheel crank axle 59 against lateral displacement relative to the associated supporting bracket member. Likewise, any suitable means may be provided for holding the wheel 51 in proper position on the wheel receiving section 58 of the crank axle. The sleeve section 52 of the It is usual for implebracket 5| is not exactly parallel with the tool bar l3 when the bracket casting is clamped in place; instead, the sleeve section 52 has a slight angular displacement so as to provide the proper .til-t or camber for the associated gauge wheel 51.

A bell cranksupporting bracket, indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 64, is provided with a laterally extending attaching section 65 which is apertured to receive the clamping bolts 56, whereby the bracket 64 may be clamped to the tool bar It along with the gauge wheel crank axle supporting casting 5|. A bracket 64 is bent laterally and forwardly and terminates in a bell crank receiving section 66 which is apertured to pivotally support the bell crank 67. On arm 68 of the latter extends generally in a fore and aft direction and carries a pin 69 which is adapted to be disposed in any one of a plurality of apertures 1| formed in the upper end of a generally vertically extending link 12. The lower end of the latter is provided with an enlarged opening so as to receive the gauge, wheel supporting section 58 of the crank axle 59. The bell crank is pivoted at 13.

As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and as mentioned above, the gauge wheel crank axles 59 may be arranged to extend either generally forwardly or generally rearward-1y, as desired, optionally disposing the associated gauge wheel 51 eitherin front of or in rear of the tool bar I3. Sincethe'. gauge wheels 5'! determine the operating depth of the tools, suitable adjusting means, which will be described below, is associated with the bell cranks 61 and arranged to raise or lower the gauge wheel crank axles 59 relative to the implement frame l0. Therefore,- it is necessary to arrange the bell crank supporting bracket 64 in a rearward position when the gauge wheel is disposed in its rearwardposition, and to arrange the bell crank supporting bracket 64 in a for ward position when the gauge wheel crank axle 59 extends forwardly. This is conveniently accomplished since each of the brackets 64 are apertured to fit on the clamping bolts 56. Therefore, the brackets 64 may be clamped either to the main body of the gauge wheel supporting casting 5| or to the cap 55. In Figures 1,2, and 4, the gauge wheels are shown as disposed in their rearward position, and hence to accommodate this arrangement the brackets 64 are shown as clamped to the caps 55, while in Figure 3v the gauge wheels are shown as in their forward position, in which case the brackets 64 are shown as bolted to the gauge wheel crank axle supporting castings 5|. The castings 5| always remain on the forward side of the toolbar I3, and, as best shown in Figure l, the brackets 64 are bent lateral-1y so as to dispose the end 66 thereof substantially above the gauge wheel receiving section 58 of the crank axle, thereby providing for the disposition of the bell crank 61 substantially directly above the wheel receiving part of the crank axle. As best shown in Figure 2, each of the brackets 64 is formed so that the end 66 is disposed above the horizontal centerline of the attaching section 65, and therefore when changing the position of the gauge wheels from one side of the tool bar to the other, it is necessary to interchange the right and left hand brackets 64 for moving them from one side to the other of the tool bar I3 in order to have the end 66 of each bracket disposed in the proper positions, both fore and aft of the tool bar, while yet maintaining the outer end 66 of each bracket 64 substantially directly above the outer end of the associated crank axle.

Suitable depth-adjusting means is provided on the implement frame H) for raising or lowering the gauge wheels tothereby adjust the depth of operation of the tools connected with the tool bar I! of the frame It, and according to the present invention such depth-adjusting and controlling means are particularly designed to accommodate the optional disposition of the gauge wheels and bell crank supporting brackets. At each side of the machine a rock shaft 16 is supported by any suitable means in the bearing section 54 of the crank axle supporting casting 5| at that side of the implement frame. Preferably the rock shaft I6 is supported for sliding movement relative to the bearing section 54, whereby the casting 5| may be shifted laterally along the tool bar l3 and along the rock shaft 16. The laterally inner end of the latter is supported for rocking movement by any suitable means in the upper portion of the associated frame plate l2, said means generally being arranged to limit or prevent actual movement of the rock shaft 16 relative to the frame plates I2. For rocking the rock shaft 16 I provide a hand lever 19 movable relative to a sector 80 which, at one end, is fastened to the associated frame bar H by the bolt 25 that fastens the frame base 24. The other end of the sector 80 is connected by a strap ill to the plate l2. The r hand lever 19 preferably is fixed to a segmental plate 82 in any one of several positions, the plate 82 being welded or otherwise non-rotatably connected with the rock shaft 16 and the hand lever being bolted, as at 83, to the plate 82 in any one of a plurality of positions relative thereto. The hand lever 19 carries conventional detent mechanism which cooperates with the sector 80 to lock the-lever 'lflthereto. An arm 81 is clamped by a U-bolt 88 or the like to the rock shaft 15 generally in the vertical longitudinal plane that extends through the outer end 66 of the associated bell crank supporting bracket 64. A link 9|, which is relatively short, as shown in Figures l-3, is pivoted to the outer end of the arm 81 and at the other end is pivoted to the other arm 92 of the associated bell crank 61. By virtue of this construction, when the hand lever 19 is released from its sector 80, swinging movement of the hand lever 19 rocks the arm 81 and acts through the link 9| to swing the bell crank 61, thus raising or lowering the gauge wheel associated therewith.

Due to the fact that the sleeve section 52 of the crank axle supporting casting 5| is not disto the associated casting 5|. It may be desired to arrange the gauge wheels in their wide setting so as to secure a lateral spacing between the in Figures 1-4.

posed directly underneath the tool bar l3, but

slightly forwardly thereof, the same link 9| cannot be used in both positions of the gauge wheels and brackets 64. When the brackets 64 and gauge wheels 51 are disposed in their forward position as shown in Figure 3, the relatively short links 9| may be used, but when the brackets 64 and the gauge wheels 51 are in their rearward position, as shown in Figure 4, somewhat longer links 9|a are used in place of the relatively short links 9|. It will be seen, particularly from Figure 4, that the relatively longer links 9|a are bent or curved so that they may pass underneath the associated seeding shaft 4|. With the exception of the links 9|, 9|a the same parts of the gauge wheel and adjusting mechanisms are used, irrespective of whether the gauge wheels are disposed fore or aft of the tool bar l3.

Figures 3 to 5 show the gauge wheels 51 in what s termed their narrow setting; that is, the gauge wheel crank axles 59 are mounted in the associated sleeve sections 52 so that the whee1 receiving section 58 extends generally laterally inwardly and disposes the associated gauge wheel 5! in a laterally inward position relative Referring now to Figure 6, it will be seen that to place the gauge wheels in their wide settin all that it is necessary to do is to interchange the right and left hand castings 5| so that the normally right hand casting, when the gauge wheels are in. their narrow' setting, is disposed at the left end of the tool bar l3, and the normally left hand casting 5|, when the gauge wheels are in their narrow setting, is at the right hand end of the tool bar Hi. The castings 5| are always bolted at the right of the tool bar l3. By virtue of this arrangement, the correct pitch in the wheelsis maintained with any wheel setting, thereby reducing end pressure and avoiding wear on the gauge whee1 boxes. When gauge Wheels are to be used in the wide setting, the gauge whee1 crank axles are inserted through the bearing sleeve section 52 from the outer side, rather than from the inner side as when the wheels are used in their narrow setting. In both Figures 5 and 6, the gauge whee1 illustrated is shown in a forward position, but it is to be understood that the wheel could be swung rearwardly into its rearward position, merely by changing the bell crank brackets 64 as described above.

Mention above was made of the fact that when, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the number of tools utilized is such that they may be placed at the sides of the adjacent tractor wheels, the frame l0 may be disposed in its forwardmost position (see Figure 2). However, when the numer of tools employed is such that a tool is disposed directly ,rearwardly of each rear wheel, then it may be desirable to attach the implement frame in its rearmost position. This is shown in Figures 7 and 8, which show three lister bottoms attached to the tool bar l3. The lister bottoms are indicated by the reference numeral 93 and are of the moldboard type. The bottoms 93 are attached to the foot pieces 32 of the beams 3| in the same manner as the sweeps 30 described above. As best shown in Figure 8, it will be seen that there is a lister bottom directly behind each rear tractor wheel 1, and it is for the purpose of securing adequate clearance between the wheel 1 and the adjacent lister bottom 93 that it is desirable usually to dispose the frame ID in its rear position, which is done by attaching the hitch pin H) in the front hole I 5. With this arrangement, the gauge Wheels 51 are disposed in their narrow setting, and preferably in their forward position laterally of the rear tractor wheels, so that the wheels will not run on the freshly plowed soil turned on the previous round.

Referring now more particularly to Figures 9- 11, the driving mechanism particularly adapted to accommodate longitudinal movement of the implement frame relative to the tractor comprises a driving sprocket |0| fixed to each axle shaft, each sprocket llll being of the two-part separable type to facilitate connecting and disconnecting the same from the associated driving axle. A sprocket chain I03 is trained about the driving sprocket |0| and extends generally rearwardly where it passes around a sprocket pinion 04. The sprocket pinion 04 is mounted for rotabracket I I4.

tion about the axis of a stub shaft I06 which is fixedly secured to a stationary part of the support for the adjacent seed can 36. The mechanism for transmitting the drive from the sprocket I04 to the seeding shaft M will be described below. According to the present invention means is provided for automatically taking up *the slack in the chain I03 when the implement frame I is in a forward position and increasing the effective length of the'sprocket chain I03 when the implement frame I0 is moved rearwardly, either by disposing the frame in a rearward position, as 'by placing the pivot I9 in the forward opening I5, or by the yielding of the cushioned springs 22, or both. Such automatically operable compensating means consist of a pair of idler sprockets I I0 and I I I, over which the lower bight of the chain'.I03 1's trained, which are mounted for rotation on the oppositeends-of a link member 'I I2 swingably mounted, as by a pivot bolt II3, on the outer end of a rearwardly extending The latter is secured to the rear side of the adjacent rear axle housing extension and therefore moves, relative to the. implement frame, I0, with the tractor I. The disposition of the sprocket chain I03 about the idler sprockets IIO, III is such that swinging movement of the link I I2 in one direction serves to increase the effective length of the chain I03 while swinging movement of the link H2 in the other direction serves to decrease the effective length of the chain I03. In order to control the movement of the link I 'I 2 so as to increase or decrease the effective length of the chain I03 to correspond to the position of the implement frame relative to the tractor, a controlling member, indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral H6, is connected between one end of the link H2 and a part on the frame I0. The member II6 comprises a sleeve H1 in the rear end of which a rod H8 is fixed and has one end bent laterally so as to enter and be secured in an opening II 9 in the sector 80. The rod II8 extends only a short way in the tubular member II 1, and the forward end of the latter telescopically receives a relatively shiftable rod member I2I. The rear end of the latter is slidably disposed in the sleeve H1 and carries an adjustable collar I22 between which and the forward end of the tubular member II1 a spring I23 is disposed. The forward end of the rod member I2I is bent laterally and extended through a chain guard I26 and through the adjacent portion of the upper end of the swinging link member 2..

The latter preferably consists of two strap members suitably connected together, as by being welded, in laterally spaced apart relation to a pair of studs I28 and I29 which serve as bearing supports for the idler sprockets H0 and III, The chain guard I26 is formed with a curved hood section I3I which is normally disposed above the upper idler sprocket" IIO and serves the purpose of preventing the upper bight or run of the driving sprocket chain I03 from inadvertently falling down and becoming entangled on the idler sprocket H0 or adjacent parts. The pivots I I3. H9, I28, and I29 are so arranged that when the frame I0 moves, or is moved, rearwardly relative to the tractor I. the effective length of the sprocket chain I03 is automatically increased to correspond to the new position of the frame. Specifically, if, for example, the frame I0 is moved approximately two inches in a forward direction. This, of course, increases the entire peripheral length of the chain I03 by an amount equal substantially to four inches, but since the chain I03 is looped about the driven sprocket pinion I04, which is carried by the implement, a movement of two inches of the latter requires an increase of four inches in the length 'of the chain I03. Thus, by virtue of the structure just described, the chain I03 isautomatically maintained at exactly theeifective length required for any given position of the implement frame relative to the tractor, and this is accomplished without undue slack in the chain I03 at any time. The spring I23 serves to maintain a slight amount of tension in the chain at all times and takes care ofminor irregularities. Thetension of the. spring I23 may be adjusted by' settingthe setscrewcollar I22 sired.

Another feature ofthis-invention, having particularly to' do with an implement construction tion. To this latter end, the-tractor I is provided a hub section I6I that has one or more axially moved two inches to the rear, then the upper.

idler sprocket I28 is moved-also two inches to the rear while the lower idler sprocket III is with a conventional power-lift unit 140 which contains mechanism adapted when tripped to move a transverse rock shaft I4I through a given angular displacement. Fixed to each end of the rock shaft MI is a power-lift arm I43, to which an arm extension I44 is pivoted, as at I45. Th main arm I43 carrie an adjustable stud I46 which is adapted to engage the arm extension I44 and, after taking up the lost motion between the arms I43 and I44, the power-lift mechanism, when actuated, acts through the arm extensions I44 and a pair of links I41 which extend downwardly from the arms to the implement frame I0, to raise the implement frame and lift the tools 30 or the like out of engagement with the ground.

' As mentioned above, according to the present invention means is provided for automatically disengaging the driving connection when the implement frame is raised, and preferably said means is actuated from the power-lift arms I43. To this end, a bracket I50 is fixed to each powerlift arm I43 and is apertured to pivotally receive the forward end of the rod I5I. The latter carries a setscrew collar I52 and has its rear end telescopically received inthe forward endof a tubular member I54. The rear end of the tubular member I54 carries a rod I55, the rear end I56 of which is bent laterally and overlies the plate 39. extending laterally outwardly thereof as best shown in Figure 9. To effect the actual disconmotion of the drive, the rear end I56 of the rod I55 is connected to the outer end of an arm member I51 that is rockably mounted on the fixed stub shaft I06. The arm member I51 includes directed lugs I62. Also, mounted on the stub shaft I06 for rocking movement thereon is a gear carrier I63 which also has a hub section I64 provided with one or more lugs I65 with which the lug or lugs I62 engage. A cotter key I66 serves to hold the arm member I51 and the gear carrier I63 in place, and the interengaging lugs I62 and I65 connect the two members whereby, when the part I 54 is moved rearwardly, the gear carrier indifferent positions, as de- I63 is swung about its pivotal support on the stub shaft I06. The gear carrier I63 is provided with a pivot I69 on which a gear I'll is journaled.

The gear I1I meshes with a gear section I12 which is formed preferably as an integral part with the driven sprocket pinion I04. Thus, when the arm member I51 is swung forwardly, the idler gear I1I is swung upwardly. The laterally inner end of the feeding shaft 4I carries a gear I15 that is connected, through conventional slip clutch mechanism I16, with the feeding shaft 4|. Therefore, in the forward position of the arm member I51, the gears I1I, I12 establish a driving connection with the seeding shaft 4|, and in the rear position of the arm member I51 the driving connection is interrupted. The member I54 is moved forwardly for establishing the driving connection by suitable yielding means, such as a spring I11 which at one end is connected with a lug I18 on the arm member I51 and a fixed point on the implement, as indicated at I19. The member I54 is moved rearwardly to disengage the drive as the implement is raised, by virtue of the fact that the bracket I50 is disposed below the axis of movement of the rock shaft I4I therefore, when the arms are swung upwardly to raise the implement, the bracket I50 moves rearwardly, causing the setscrew collar I52 to engage the forward end of the member I54 and shift the latter rearwardly, thereby disengaging the drive.

It will be noted that by virtue of the telescopic connection between the rod I5I and the member I54, the frame I is free to shift rearwardly relative to the setscrew collar I52 at any time, the length of telescopic connection between these parts being sufficient to accommodate the maximum rearward movement of the implement frame relative to the tractor without permitting the parts to become disengaged. Thus, when the cushioned springs 22 yield and permit the implement frame I0 to shift rearwardly, said movement is accommodated automatically by the throw-out connections just described, if when the tools are raised out of engagement with the ground, the cushioned hitch springs 22 will automatically return the implement frame I0 to its forward position thereby bringing the front end of the member I 54 close to the setscrew collar I52 whereby the lifting movement of the powerlift arm will therefore shift the member I54 rearwardly to disengage the drive. In other words, the hitch spring 22 will automatically return the implement to a position when the tools are raised so that the raising motion of the power-lift arms may be utilized to disengage the drive. The construction just described also accommodates placing the implement frame I0 in different positions relative to the tractor, as by having the implement frame disposed in a rearward position. Thus, if the pivot I9 should be placed in the forwardmost hole I of the implement frame I 0, then all that it is necessary to do to adjust the throw-out mechanism to the new position of the implement frame is to shift the setscrew collar I52 rearwardly to a new position, such that actuation of the power-lift arms will cause the collars I52 to engage the associated members I54.

The throw-out mechanism at each side of the tractor is substantially identical and therefore further description is unnecessary.

Mention above was made regarding the use of various numbers of tools and disposing them in different positions laterally along the tool bar I3. When operating in trashy ground, with either sweeps or lister bottoms but more particularly with th latter, it is frequently desirable to use rolling colters for cutting through the trash to facilitate working the ground, and as a feature of this invention, particularly adapted for use with tools that are laterally shiftable to various positions, as just mentioned, I have disclosed in Figures 12 and 13 an improved form of colter support that accommodates shifting of the tool beams to different lateral positions.

Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, the lister beam 3| shown in detail in these figures includes, besides the foot pieces 32 mentioned above, a U-shaped member 20I that comprises the principal part of the beam. The member 20I includes side portions 202 and 203 which, adjacent their upper portions, are provided with a plurality of aligned apertures 205 in any one pair of which a pivot bolt 205 is disposed. The central portion 201 of the member 20I is also provided with a pair of apertures 208 in which vertically disposed clamping bolts 209 are disposed. These bolts receive a cap 210 which is normally disposed on the upper side of the tool bar I3. The member 20I is provided with a V-shaped notch, as indicated at 2I2, which is formed by a V-shaped part 2I3 that is welded or otherwise fixed to the central and side portions of the member 20L The cap 2I0 is also provided with a V-shaped notch 2I4, so that when the bolts 209 are tightened the lister beam 3| is firmly and rigidly clamped to the tool bar I3.

The rolling colter is indicated by the reference numeral 2I5 and is mounted upon suitable journal supports between a pair of colter arms 2I6 and 2I1. These arms preferably consist of right and left hand angle members bent so as to extend downwardly and forwardly at their front ends, as best shown in Figure 12. The rear ends of the colter arms 2I'6 and 2 I1 are apertured so as to receive the pivot bolt 206. A colter arm support 220 is provided to reenforce and strengthen the connection between the colter and the beam 3| to which it is connected and on which it is supported. The colter arm support consists of a generally L-shaped casting having a depending portion 22I arranged to extend downwardly between the two colter arms 2 I 6 and 2 I 1. The vertical flanges of the latter are apertured to receive a pair of clampingv bolts223, which bolts pass on opposite sides of the depending portion MI. The rear end of the casting 220, which is generally U-shaped in cross section at this point, is apertured, as at 224 (Figure 3), to receive the lower end of the forward clamping bolt 209. The width of the rear end of th colter arm support 220 is substantially the same as the distance between the inner faces of the lister beam sides 202 and 203, and thus when the clamping bolt 209 is tightened the colter arm support 220 is firmly and rigidly secured to the lister beam so as to form a part thereof. Also, the clamping bolts 223 firmly and rigidly fix the colter arms 2; and 2I1 to the colter arm support 220. therefore provides a firm and rigid support for the rolling colter 2I5, and further, said support is movable laterally with the associated lister beam 3| so that the colter is always retained in exactly the proper position. It will be seen particularly from Figure 12 that when the clamping bolts 209 are loosened the lister beam 3| and the colter may be shifted laterally to any desired position without disturbing the relation between the colter 2 I 5 and the lister bottom 93.

The combination of the tillage tool and the ad- This construction 'When employed as a four-row machine, the

tools, whether sweeps r lister bottoms, will be spaced on opposite sides of the vertical longitudinal planes of the tractor rear wheels. Therefore, the frame l0 may be disposed in a forward position, as shown in Figure 1, disposing the pivot pin IS in the rear hole I5. If sweeps are used, as shown in Figure 1, it is preferable tohave the gauge wheels disposed rearwardly, since itis not desired to have the wheels run on'the tops of the loose beds. By disposing the gauge wheels rearwardly, the gauge wheel axle castingsare spaced-along the-tool bar- 13 so as to place the gauge wheels. 5] .substantiaily di-rectly behind the rear tractor wheels I so they run in the wheel tracks and in the bottoms of the previously formed furrows. If, however, lister bottoms of the moldboard type are employed-to form a four-row-machine, the frame i0 may be disposed in its forward position, but the gauge wheels would preferably be disposed, not in a rearward position as.

shown in Figures 1-3, but in a forward position, preferably immediately in front of the laterally outermost lister bottoms. as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1.

The machine may be arranged as a three-row implement by disposing the tools in the manner shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this case, since there is a tool immediately behind each rear tractor wheel, it is preferable to have the frame I0 disposed in its rearward position, as shown in Figure 7, so that there is ample clearance between the tools and the rear wheels. The rearward disposition of the frame In does not aifect the driving connections between each driving axle and any associated driving mechanism carried by the implement frame, and as described above. the yielding of the cushioning springs in the hitch,

springs yield or when the hitch connection is arranged to dispose the implement frame in different longitudinal positions. The feature of the present invention in which the frame may be hitched to the tractor in any one of several longitudinal positions is useful, not only to accommodate difierent kinds and spacings of tools but also enables any one particular implement to be attached to different sizes of tractors.

While I have shown and described above a pr e- V ferred structure in which the principles of the present invention have been incorporated, it is to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the particular details shown and described above, but that, in fact, widely difierent means may be employed in .the practice of the .broaderaspectsoi myinvention.

means from which power may -.be taken, of an as when encountering field obstructions and the like, will likewise not affect the driving connec tions. If, as shown in Figures land 8, lister bottoms of the moldboard type are used, the gauge wheels preferably are disposed in their forward position and in their narrow setting, so as to place th gauge wheels as close as possible to the lister bottoms. It is also possible with the present implement to conveniently employ two bottoms, as

shown in dotted lines in Figure 8, in which case the rear tractor wheels are placed in their laterally inward positions, and the gauge wheels are disposed in their forwardposition with a narrow setting and spaced along the tool bar l3 .as closely as possible to the rear tractor wheels. Thi is done so that on the return trip neither the tractor wheel nor the gauge wheel at the forward side of the outfit will run on the loose ground thrown up by the landward lister bottom on the previous round. The driving connections are arranged, as

described above, to accommodate rearward movement of the implement frame relative to the tractor, and while I have shown and described two driving connections, one at each side of the trac- "tor, it will be understood that only one driving unit may be used if the two seeding shafts are connected together. Also, I have described above the manner in which the throw-out mechanism accommodates different longitudinal positions of the implement frame, as. when the cushioned What I-yclaim, therefore, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: v

1. The combination .with .a :tractor having implement having a mechanism adapted to be driven from .said' means, hitch means for connecting said implement with the tractor and arranged to 'accommodategeneraily longitudinal movement of the implement relative to the 'tractor, a driving connection between :said, power means and said mechanism, and means responsive to the movement of the implement-relative to the tractor and connected with the latter and the implement for changing the effective length of said driving connection to correspond to the position of the implement relative to the tractor.

2. The combination with a tractor having means from which power may be taken, of an implement having mechanism adapted to be driven from said means, spring cushioned hitch means for connecting said implement with the tractor and arranged to permit the implement to move generally longitudinallyrearwardly, relative to the tractor, a driving connection between said power means and said mechanism, and means responsive to movement of the implement relative to the tractor and connected with the latter and the .implement for changing the effective length of said driving connection when said spring cushioned hitch means yields and permits the implement to move rearwardly relative to the tractor.

3. The combination with a tractor having means from which power may be taken, of an responsive to movement of the implement, relative to the tractor, to a different longitudinal position, said last mentioned means being connected with the tractor and the implement and operative to change the effective length of said driving connection to correspond to the new position of the implement relative to the tractor.

4. The combination wih a tractor having means from which power may be taken and an implement raising part movable on the tractor, of an implement having mechanism adapted to be driven from said power means, spring cushioned hitch means connecting said implement with the tractor and arranged to permit the implement to move rearwardly of the tractor a limited amount, a driving connection between said power means and said mechanism, means responsive to the movement of the implement relative to the tractor when said spring cushioned hitch means yields, said means being connected with the tractor and implement and operative to change the efiective length of said driving connection to correspond to the change in the position of the implement relative to the tractor, means whereby said implement raising part is connected to raise said implement relative to the tractor to an inoperative position. and means oporatively connected with the lifting part on the tractor for interrupting said driving connection when said implement is raised, said interrupting means including relatively movable parts accommodating movement of the implement relative to the tractor when the implement is in its lowered or operative position.

5. The combination with a tractor having an axle shaft, of an implement having mechanism adapted to be driven from said axle shaft, hitch means connecting said implement to the tractor and arranged to accommodate generally longiand a .chain trained over said sprockets, and

means responsive to the movement of the implement relative to the tractor for changing the efiective length of said chain to correspond to the position of the implement relative to the tractor.

6. In a tractor-mounted implement, frame meansJmovably connected with the tractor, a driven sprocket mounted for rotation on said frame, a driving sprocket on the tractor, a driving chain trained around said sprockets, a swinging part pivotally mounted on the tractor, said chain being trained over said part whereby swinging movement of the latter changes the effective length of said chain, and means connected between said part and said frame means whereby movement of said implement relative to the tractor causes said part to swing and change the eiiective length of the driving chain to correspond to the change in the position of the implement relative to the tractor.

'7. In combination, a tractor having a lifting arm, an implement movably connected with the tractor and operatively connected with said arm whereby the latter is adapted to raise and lower the implement, said implement having operative mechanism, a swingably mounted means on the implement and movable into and out of a position for driving said mechanism, and a link operatively connected with said lifting arm and said swingable means, whereby when said arm is operated to raise said implement, said swingable means is moved into a position disconnected from said implement mechanism. 1

8. The invention as defined in claim 7, further characterized by said swingable means including a gear carrier and a driving gear mounted on said swinging gear carrier coincidental with the axis of swinging movement thereof, and means for driving said gear from an axle shaft of said tractor.

9. In combination, a tractor having a lifting arm, an implement connected with the tractor and operatively connected with said arm whereby the latter is adapted to raise and lower the implement, said implement having mechanism to be driven from the tractor, disconnectible means for driving said mechanism, comprising a pivot carried by said implement, an arm and a swingable gear carrier mounted for rocking movement on said pivot, means connecting said arm and gear carrier whereby said arm swings said carrier, a

' driving gear mounted for rotation about the axis of said pivot, a second gear driven from the first gear and mounted on said gear carrier at a distance from the axis of said first gear, whereby the swinging movement of said carrier is adapted to shift the second gear into and out of driving connection with said implement mechanism, and means for driving said first gear.

10. In combination, a tractor having a lifting arm, an implement connected with the tractor and operatively connected with said arm whereby the latter is adapted to raise and lower the implement, said implement having mechanism to be driven from the tractor, disconnectible means for driving said mechanism, comprising a stud carried by said implement, an arm and a swin able gear carrier mounted for rocking movement on said stud, means connecting said arm and carrier whereby said arm swings said carrier, a driving gear mounted on said carrier for rotation about the axis of said stud, a second gear driven from the first gear and mounted on said gear carrier at a distance from the axis of said first gear, whereby swinging movement of said carrier is adapted to shift the second gear into and out of driving connection with said implement mechanism, and means operable from the tractor for swinging said arm to shift said second gear into and out of driving connection with said implement mechanism.

11. In combination, a tractor having a lifting arm, an implement connected with the tractor and operatively connected with said arm whereby the latter is adapted to raise and lower the implement, said implement having mechanism to be driven from the tractor, disconnectible means for driving said mechanism, comprising a stud carried by said implement, an arm and a swingable gear carrier mounted for rocking movement on said stud, means connecting said arm and gear carrier whereby said arm swings said carrier, a driving gear mounted on said carrier for rotation about the axis of said stud, a second gear driven from the first gear and mounted on said gear carrier at a distance from the axis of said first gear, whereby swinging movement of said carrier is adapted to shift the second gear into and out of driving connection with said implement mechanism, said tractor having means for raising and lowering at least a portion of the implement relative thereto, and a connection between said last mentioned means and said arm for swinging said second gear into and out of connection with said mechanism when said raising and lowering means on the tractor is operated.

12. In a tractor mounted implement in which the implement includes ground engaging means and is yieldingly connected with the tractor whereby said implement is capable of limited movement rearwardly of the tractor when said ground engaging means encounters an obstruction or the like, and in'which said implement includes operative mechanism movable rearwardly when said ground engaging means move rearwardly, the combination of a driving connection between said mechanism on the implement and a driving part of the tractor, which driving connection is constructed and arranged to accommodate rearward movement of the implement relative to the tractor, means including a swingably mounted arm on the implement for disengaging said driving connection, a movable portion on the tractor for operat g Said d e ing means, and a pair of telescopically associated parts, one connected with said arm and the other connected with said movable part on thetractor, said telescopically associated parts accommodating rearward movement of the implement relative to the tractor. I

13. In a tractor mounted implement, in which a part on the implement is adapted to be operated by a part on the tractor and in which the implement is connected with the tractor by yielding means, an operative connection between said parts comprising a first member connected with the part on the implement, a second member connected with the part on the tractor, and means connecting said members whereby relative movement therebetween in one direction is prevented and relative movement in the other direction is accommodated, said last mentioned means being arranged so that when said-implement is in a normal position, relative to the tractor, the operation of said part on the tractor acts through said members to operate the part on the implement, said members being relatively movable in said other direction to accommodate movement of the implement relative to the tractor when said yielding means, connecting the implement with the tractor, yields.

14. In an agricultural implement, a part to be driven, a driving part, relatively displaceable supports carrying said parts, sprockets operatively connected with said parts, a sprocket chain trained over said sprockets, means movable relative to both of said parts for tensioning said chain, and means connected between said movable tensioning means and one of said displaceable supports whereby movement of one relative to the other shifts the position of said tensioning means.

15. In an agricultural implement, a supporting frame, an implement frame, a part on the latter adapted to be driven, a driving part therefor on said supporting frame, sprockets operatively connected with said parts, a sprocket chain trained over said sprockets, means movably mounted on one of said frames and movable relative to both of said parts for tensioning said chain, and means connected between asid tensioning means and the other frame for adjusting said tensioning means.

16. The combination with a tractor having a transversely disposed drive shaft from which power may be taken, of an implement having a mechanism adapted to be driven from said shaft, hitch means for connecting said implement with the tractor and arranged to accommodate generally longitudinal movement of the implement relative to the tractor, a transversely disposed driven shaft journaled on said implement and connected with said mechanism, a pair of driving and driven members fixed to said drive and driven shafts. respectively, in fore and aft alignment, a flexible endless power transmitting member trained over said driving and driven members,

and means responsive to the movement of said implement relative to the tractor and connected with the latter and the implement for changing the efiective length of said power transmitting member to correspond to the position of the implement relative to the tractor.

17. The combination with a tractor having a transversely disposed drive shaft from which power may be taken, of an implement having a mechanism adapted to be driven from said shaft, hitch means for connecting said implement with the tractor and arranged to accommodate generaly longitudinal movement of the implement relative to the tractor, a transversely disposed driven shaft joumaled on said implement and connected with said mechanism, a pair of driving and driven members fixed to said drive and driven shafts, respectively, in fore and aft alignment, a flexible endless power transmitting member trained over said driving and driven members and having an appreciable amount of slack therein, and means responsive to the movement of said implement relative to the tractor and connected with the latter and with the implement for taking up the slack in said power transmitting member to correspond .to the position of the implement relative to the tractor.

18. In a tractor mounted implement having mechanism to be driven from the tractor, disconnectible means for driving said mechanism, comprising a stud carried by said implement, an arm and a swingable gear carrier mounted for rocking movement on said stud, means connecting said arm and gear carrier whereby said arm swings said carrier, a driving gear mounted on said carrier for rotation about the axis of said stud, a second gear driven from the first gear and mounted on said gear carrier at a distance from the axis of said first gear, whereby swinging movement of said carrier is adapted to shift the second gear into and out of driving connection with said implement mechanism, said tractor having means for raising and lowering at least a portion of the implement relative thereto, a connection between said last mentioned means and said arm for swinging said second gear into and out of connection with said mechanism when said raising and lowering means on the tractor is operated, and spring cushioned means operatively connecting said implement with the tractor and accommodating rearward movement of the implement when the latter strikes an obstruction or the like, said connection including relatively moving parts operative to accommodate movement of the implement relative to the tractor when said spring cushioned hitch yields, the latter serving to movesaid implement, when it is in its raised position, to a position relative to the tractor whereby the relatively movable parts of said connection are in a position operative to disengage the drive to said implement mechanism.

19. The combination defined by claim 17, further characterized in that said means responsive to relative movement between said tractor and implement is extensible and is provided with resilient means for urging the same toward extended position.

20. The combination defined by claim 17, further characterized in that said last named means includes an arm pivoted on one element of said tractor and implement combination and having a part in engagement with said power transmitting member, and link means connecting said pivoted arm with the other element of said tractor and implement combination.

21. The combination defined by claim 17, further characterized in that said last named means includes an arm pivoted on one element of said tractor and implement combination and having a part in engagement with said power tarnsmitting member, an extensible link connecting said pivoted arm with the other element of said tractor and implement combination, and resilient neans for urging said link toward extended posiion.

22. The combination with a tractor having means from which power may be taken, of an implement having a mechanism adapted. to be actuated from said means, hitch means for connecting said implement with the tractor and arranged to accommodate relative movement of the implement relative to the tractor, an operating connection between said power means and said mechanism, movable means for changing the effective length of said operating connection to correspond to the position of the implement relative to the tractor, and means responsive to the movement of the implement relative to the tractor and connected with the latter and the implement for actuating said movable means.

WALTER H. SILVER. 

